HISTORY OF PASCO COUNTY

History of Gulf Harbors, Florida

This page consists of a series articles published in four parts in 2018 in the monthly
magazine Life on the Gulf.

By TONI VOSSELER

A Real Rocky Start

Last month in my article named “Triple Strikes” I covered a brief
summary of years from 1929 to 1957. During these years developments
along the Suncoast kept expanding, St. Pete, Clearwater, Tampa, and
stopped because there was no Skyway Bridge. So, builders had to go
North.

Finding a large parcel of land was no easy task. It took some of
the best research minds to find this spot in Florida that met certain
measures the investors were looking for. They had rigid stipulations and
criteria.

3. The Gulf of Mexico with clean
water for excellent fishing, unlimited beaches, water sports and
boating.

Devil’s Woodyard was discovered and purchased. This new acquisition
would be named “Gulf Harbors.” It was evident in Burkland and
Sollit’s
thinking that their new neighborhood would become the next Gulf Beach
City. Their vision was impressive and ambitious.

The first phase, Flor A
Mar, was born but only the beginning of their dream. New ideas, new
designs—but were they too far ahead of the times?

Unknown to these
professionals, whose experience was with sandy soil canals, was rock.
Devil’s Woodyard was not sand, it was a solid strata of rock.

Flor-A-Mar
was costing more than their 5 other developments combined. That did not
stop them. It was being transformed into a picturesque place to live.
The name, flower of the sea, creates an image in your mind, a place of
sheer beauty and harmony. The goal still remained to build a small city
for 50,000 people.

Not to be deterred, within a couple of years,
advertising went into print and a campaign to entice home buyers was in
full swing. It was 1961. Much had been accomplished.

The North Chanel,
over 2 miles long, had seawalls and a turning basin. Water systems,
sewage systems, gas and electric lines were in.

An 18-hole golf course
was ready to play. All home purchases with waterfront came complete
with seawalls and all homes included landscaping and sodding.
“Waterfronts,” in real estate, was the seduction to many home buyers.
There are many kinds of waterfront: lakes, bays, rivers, etc. However,
the platinum waterfront in Florida was owning property on the warm,
serene Gulf of Mexico. That was the lure.

Flor-A-Mar was offering lots
for almost one half the cost of St. Pete and Clearwater. Appreciation
was bound to happen.

The first phase divided Flor-A-Mar’s master plan into 4 areas and by ’61
two of them were available.

The first area was closest to Rt. 19 and was named “Waterfront Estates.”
The price started at $10,950.

The second was named “Country Club.” It
included all homes along Top Sail and the portion of Floramar until it
intersects with Top Sail. Many of these faced the golf course and
started at $17,450.

The third area was not available but would be
restricted to houses in the $18,000 to $50,000. This began at Galleon
and was known as Gulf Isles.

Would we all agree that appreciation did
happen? What area do you live in?

The fourth area was reserved for
hi-rise apartments and hotels and beaches.

Already built was the Clubhouse with meeting, banquet, party space for
socializing. It included shuffleboard courts and a putting green. The
golf course club house was targeted for completion in 1962.

Mr. Sollit,
a known yachtsman, was personally interested in developing yacht clubs
in the future. Plans also included a small airport.

Everything had
sounded wonderful but the timing could not be worse. For several years
from 1957 there was a downturn in home buying along with astronomical
unexpected overruns. In spite of all these amenities and low prices,
Burkland was pouring his own money into the project to keep it afloat.

By 1963 the money ran out and it went into foreclosure. Fortunately for
all of us who have the pleasure of living here, his dream was not
bankrupt.

Flor-a-Mar Forecloses. Now What?

How unfortunate for Mr. Burkland and his investors to have to face
failure. They accomplished so much in such a short period. As in all
development the upfront costs are extensive.

What is Infrastructure?

The basic physical and organizational structure
needed in order to function. Included in this is the concept, drawings,
architecture, attorneys, engineers, government agencies, permits, codes,
blueprints, electricity, water, sewage, paved roads, and added to this
particular development, seawalls and canals. Money, money, money.

Overruns can be destructive and ruinous. These capital expenditures are
seldom seen by the general public and sometimes misunderstood and not
taken into account. The cash that is needed to accomplish these
necessities can defeat many best-laid plans. We have all seen it. You
may have seen a vast land with a beautiful entrance, maybe a gate, and a
road that led to nowhere. Nothing seemed to be happening. This is the
misfortune of many, the project was just plain broke.

The threat of foreclosure was imminent. This was sad because they were
so close to being able to see some return and the most major expenses
were behind them. However, in 1963, only 2 houses were sold. That did
it.

Sadly, it was over. Now what?

It’s been said that when one door shuts, another one opens. And that
door did open wide in 1964. Any residents familiar with Chicago or
Illinois will know this name. It is the Henry Crown family. Robert
Crown, the oldest son of Henry, took over the foreclosure under the name
of Empire Properties, Inc. (At this period of purchase, they owned the
Empire State Building). Empire was only one of many owned and operated
companies by the family of Henry, the industrialist and philanthropist.
The Crowns were and are one of the wealthiest and generous families in
America.

Because of the stigma of foreclosure attached to Flor-A-Mar, one of
Robert’s first order of business was to change the name. Our
neighborhood became “the Gulf Harbors.” Mr. Crown brought with him the
necessary capital to accomplish and finish what was started. Hopefully
this may have brought some solace to Mr. Burkland knowing that all his
labor and efforts (and money) were not in vain. The concept remained the
same, he kept the exclusive builder, Watsworth, and their sale team at
the beginning of his acquisition. Progress continued in developing the
lots but home sales were weak. In 1964, only 7 homes were sold.

At the beginning of 1965 Robert Crown created a new entity, the Lindrick
Corporation, which was formed to take over the continuing development of Gulf
Harbors. He named it after his two children, Lindsey and Rickie. (Note:
the Lindrick Service Corporation maintained the water and sewage
through an agreement with the city of New Port Richey. This was
separately owned and sold.)

He brings in John H. Evans to serve as President and Roland McCreary as
Public Relations. Experienced and professional, they saw the need to
change.

In May of 1967, modifying their marketing and home construction
strategy, Gulf Harbors opened their door for the first time to all
reputable realtors and home builders. Why? Public demand. Not one
builder alone could satisfy this accelerated growth. Buyers could now
hire their own architects and choose any builder approved by the GH
Improvement Board. Watsworth continued on as one of the major builders.
With this new corporation devoting their full attentions to GH, sales
increased dramatically.

Sadly in 1969, Robert Crown died unexpectedly at the age of 48. That
did not deter his family and his company from completing the second and
third phase, the Country Club and Gulf Isle residential areas. The last
tagged area was going to be hi rise apartments and hotels but in the
early 1970’s, Lindrick announced there would be no building along the
beach and it would become the exclusive private beach of the residents
and invited guests.

This is how our Gulf Harbors began. Because of the expertise of Evans
and McCreary, Gulf Harbors was going to be completed in a manner that
could bring contentment to the original investors, and of course, to us,
the beneficiaries. We should all take pride not only in ourselves but
for each other. Every one of us has a responsibility to be good
citizens. We must work towards keeping our properties in excellent
condition and to take time out to enjoy the beauty of nature and the
peace that surrounds us.

Around Our Neighborhood in 1969 and the Early 70’s

There were lots of
changes taking place in the area. The Holiday Inn construction was
beginning, the Pappas Brothers bought the land adjacent and Southgate
Shopping Center was in its early stages. And...of course, McDonalds.

Lindrick’s President Evans was concerned, at this time, about Pasco
County’s haphazard zoning. The need for planning and zoning and codes to
adhere to were badly needed. Inexpensive homes were springing up all
around New Port Richey because the land was cheap and there was an
absence of building codes. The average sale price of all houses in our
area was $11,000.... but Gulf Harbors average was $26,000.

(Aerial view photograph)

Note how quickly you can get your boat out to the Gulf of Mexico, be on
the beach, or shopping. As much as people gripe about Rt. 19, it takes
you almost everywhere and most of the places we have to go is only
minutes away. Most residents never hear the traffic.

Once Lindrick
Corporation announced there would be no hotels, etc., facing the gulf,
Lindrick and New Port Richey considered annexing Gulf Harbors. However,
New Port Richey officials wanted to include in the agreement opening the
white sanded beach to the public. President Evans stated that if the
city insists there will not be a deal, “the beach has and will remain
private property, we definitely plan to protect our residents in Gulf
Harbors.” So, a good guess is the annexation never happened.

Gulf
Harbors was hustling and running full steam ahead in 1969. If you were
house hunting, driving through the different areas, many homes were
still being built in all three areas discussed previously, especially
the newest area known as Gulf Isles.

Heading due west towards the beach, you would have observed huge
mechanical monsters gouging and piling the earth into a network of new
boat channels, new roads, a new system of all underground utilities,
creating more of the finest waterfront homesites. The canals would be
150 to 300 feet wide.

If you had the foresight to purchase two years earlier, your property
value appreciated as much as 40% or more. In fact, several owners who
had purchased the smaller homes sold theirs and bought a larger home.

Puerto de Pasco

The area east of the lake was in the early stage of development. This
area was named Puerto de Pasco, signifying how the Pasco County harbors
and inlets constituted a familiar port-of-call for coastal yachtsman and
fishing all over. This area originally was reserved for high rises,
hotels and restaurants. It will take many years to get this area ready
for construction.

All gulf harbors channels had a minimum width of 100 feet
and the minimum depth of 5 feet mean low water. (5.8 feet mean sea level) This
was in preparation for large yachts. (Smart thinking because there sure
are many) It took several years to accomplish all this. 1976 was the
first time lots right on the gulf, adjoining the private beach, were
available for purchase. Some lots flanked the beach while others adjoined
the Gulf. The introductory prices for a lot here began at $30K and up.
Actual home construction was not available until 1977.

Gulf Harbors Explodes in Value

Lots in Gulf Harbors continued to soar in value and availability was
shrinking. The booming areas were the North and South channels. How much
was the appreciation? If you bought a lot in 1977 on South Shore for 40K
and by 1985 it was worth $125K. South Chanel views were $95,000 and
North Channel views were $90,000.

Lindrick gifted the club house and the surrounding areas to the Civic
Association in 1975. He announced he would no longer be responsible for
the expenses in the neighborhood. Evans urged all property owners to
join and participate for the continued success of the neighborhood.
There is a direct correlation between resident participation and the
success of a neighborhood.

By 1983, Lindrick sold his last 25 acres
along the Gulf to Garcia of Wysocki Enterprises for $2.4 million. This
area is the west side of the lake, West Shore, and is known as South
Beach. Here introductory offer for Lots there were selling for $77K to
$115K.

Even though plans were to create additional canals and lots over
by Rudder Way, their dredging had not begun before certain conservation
laws, no permit was obtained.

What about the Ambassador?

At this time period, there were plans to
construct a high-rise condominium at the entrance to Gulf Harbors. Many
residents protested sighting traffic problems and claimed it was out of
character for family residents. However, that did not stop it and
construction began in 1973 and it would be called the Ambassador. Again,
unexpected costs shut it down. In 1975, new owners changed the name to
Sea Castle. They felt it tells people it is a tall building on the
water. One-bedroom units on the first 3 floors sold from $18,500 and up
and the higher you went it was over $46,000 for a 3-bedroom. Once it
was built, the residents accepted it and it was the highest building in
Pasco at the time, maybe it still is.

Fortunate and Generous

To be able to live here, we have a loaf of bread under each arm and 3
chickens in every pot.

Here is a tidbit from 1970 called Helping Hands.
One of our member’s major projects was helping Head Start children
locally. The Hobby Club, that still exists today, contributed so much to
this worthwhile program that a new room for 3-year olds was named the
Gulf Harbors Room at the Head Start School in Elfers. Our residents, men
and women alike, furnished the classroom, and volunteered their time to
the children in reading stories, acting as a substitute mother or
grandfather or to just simply sit and love some lonely child. This was
almost 50 years ago but it is timely.

Hopefully by the time you read
this article, the Harbor House donations for Habitat for Humanity has
reached its financial goal of $85,000 or exceeded it. This first home
should be under construction, so I know many of you have contributed and
will continue your generous ways. Many of you have donated money, your
time, your talents and skills to build the “Harbor House,” providing a
new home to a worthy vet. As you are aware, this project is part of the
Leisure Lane Revitalization Project and will consist of approximately 35
homes. We have so much, and some have so little. There comes a time to
take a break from the exertions of swimming, fishing, boating. This
gives us all a chance to spend some time helping others, but we end up
the winners because it enriches our lives.

If you haven't yet, please
give. You can make a payment to West Pasco Habitat for Humanity and
please mark “Harbor House” so this donation will be credited to our
commitment. The Civic Center is accepting your donations and creating a
list of those who are willing to paint, pound nails, or do any other job
that will make this house ready. If you can still lift a hammer you are
needed, give some of your time and you will be surprised as to how good
it will make you feel.

Compromise and Four Long Years

It took four long years. Lindrick was not only developing West Shore,
they were dealing with over 37 governmental and conservation agencies
with a lot of compromising. In 1973, the final permit was issued and
marks the first time a Pasco developer had obtained a dredge and fill
for coastal land since state agencies began tightening requirements. Now
Gulf Harbors Woodlands was able to begin.

In the 70’s, the first Conservation Laws were ratified and prohibited
any canals being built. If you had not started the dredging, you were
out of luck.

The project for the original second phase (the Woodlands) had a 115
Million dollar price on it.

What were the compromises?

The plans for 13,000 feet of channels were reduced to 8,000 feet. To gain this
permit Lindrick had to give away over half of his land and the project
was reduced to 450 acres, not the original 900 acres intended. 390 acres
were dedicated under the Federal Wilderness Area act. It would protect
the Gulf’s ravages and this acreage was dedicated to Robert, and became
known as the Robert Crown Wilderness Refuge. Another 20 were dedicated
to the Boy Scouts and it too was named the Robert Crown Scout Camp.
These were commemorated in memory of Henry Crown’s son, who was a
principal in Lindrick until his early death. The family also gifted
another acre of land to become the Gulf Harbors Yacht Club.

Another 80 acres went to the state as conservation preserves.

Mr. Evans and the Crown family commissioned two young men, one a
photographer and the other an artist. What better photo could depict the
times in the 70’s? In the forefront is Fred Leavitt (photo-journalist)
and wife, behind is Harry

(Photo)

They may be young but their works already recognized would be viewed
internationally over their lifetime. Leavitt had already done work for
Life, Look, and National Geographic. Their work was to produce an art
portfolio of original paintings, etching and photographs to be displayed
and reproduced into a hard-bound book of the R. Crown Wilderness Area.
Both men still reside in Florida. Adjacent to this wilderness was the
development of the Gulf Harbors Woodlands. This collection was to unify
the natural wonders of the Crown Wilderness with the Woodlands. The only
way to be in the preserve was by water. Many kayakers today navigate and
enjoy the beauty.

In the past, development was to raze, bulldoze. This project was a
challenge which Evans took on heartily. “It is my conviction that land
development, properly pursued and executed, is a form of art. We insist
that the new community conform and blend with the wilderness.” A lover
of nature and extensive experience, this wooded area was abundant with
cedars, palms, cypress. Everything had to be done with the end result
preserving nature’s wonders. The waterways followed the contour of the
land and “rip-rap” (natural stone) would be used instead of the
traditional concrete seawalls. All roads were to follow existing natural
paths which wind through the neighborhood. Trees were preserved, not
removed. Deed restrictions were extensive to protect the home buyers and
to ensure aestheticism.

With the combination of Gulf Harbors and the Woodlands there were wide
choices for future buyers depending on the lifestyle that met their
needs. The Woodlands was a forerunner of future developments that
recognized the ecological demands of preserving our environment The
finished product proves the objectives were met.

Special thanks for the information in these articles which came from
our local West Pasco Historical Society and the issues of Gulf Harbor Light, which
was published for the residents by the Lindrick Company. That’s all folks. Hope you enjoyed it!